This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE

Hey there, friends! It’s time for another cinematic adventure. 🎬

So, I just finished watching “Of An Age,” directed by the one and only Goran Stolevski, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride through the emotional rollercoaster that is the summer of 1999. Spoiler alert – I’m about to dive deep into the plot, so if you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your warning! 🚨

Picture this: It’s Melbourne, Australia, 1999 – a time when boy bands ruled the airwaves, and the Y2K scare was a real thing (I mean, were computers really going to end the world? 😂) We’ve got this 17-year-old Serbian ballroom dancer, Kol (played by Elias Anton), who’s just living his life, you know, doing the dance thing. But then, BAM! His brother’s best friend, Adam (hello, Thom Green!), comes into the picture, and suddenly we’re in a whirlwind of young love and heartache. Talk about a plot twist!

The beauty of this film is how it captures that crazy, confusing, and totally exhilarating feeling of first love. The chemistry between Kol and Adam? It’s like watching fireworks on a hot summer night – absolutely dazzling and a bit unexpected. 🎆.

The film does this amazing thing where it captures the essence of first love and the heartache of unrequited feelings. You’re rooting for Kol and Ebony, but at the same time, you’re like, “Oh boy, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.” And it is! There’s this intense scene after a party where they finally confront their feelings, and I’m not ashamed to admit, I might have teared up a bit. 😢

What I absolutely adore about this film is its raw honesty. It’s not just a love story; it’s a coming-of-age tale that delves into themes of identity, cultural differences, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Stolevski does a phenomenal job of painting this vivid picture of 90s Australia, complete with all the nostalgia (those fashion choices, am I right?).

Now, for some real talk – the film has its bittersweet moments. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s what makes it relatable, right? It’s a raw and honest depiction of how complicated and messy love can be, especially when you’re just figuring yourself out. And while the film has its ‘wow’ moments, there are parts where it kind of drags. Like, you’ll find yourself checking your watch and wondering when something interesting is going to happen.

And that that ending, oh the ending! It’s not your typical Hollywood ride-off-into-the-sunset scenario ending, but it’s real and it’s heartfelt — and rather depressing. It leaves you with this lingering feeling of what could have been, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see a film that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of real life. But you might want to have a comfort movie lined up for after. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially after riding the emotional rollercoaster that is Kol and Adam’s ‘will they/won’t they’ relationship.

Despite the slow bits and the heart-wrenching conclusion, “Of an Age” does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of first love and the bittersweet realities that come with it. If you’re into films that make you laugh, cry, and contemplate life all at the same time, then you may want to give it a watch. The performances are top-notch, and the 90s throwback is a treat. Just be prepared for a bit of a slog in places and maybe keep a box of tissues handy for that ending.

So, if you’re in the mood for a nostalgia-filled, emotion-packed film and don’t mind a bit of a downer ending, give “Of an Age” a watch. Just remember, I warned you about the slow parts and the tears! 😉

Catch you at the movies! 🌟🎥🍿😭
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE

Hey friends!

So, I finally got around to watching “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds,” and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions! Directed by Yong-hwa Kim, this 2017 South Korean film is like a wild ride through a mystical theme park you never knew existed. 🎢

The story? It’s all about the afterlife, but not in a creepy, ghostly way. Imagine if you had supernatural beings (who are surprisingly relatable) guiding you through trials to determine your fate in the afterlife. Sounds intense, right? But here’s the twist – it’s packed with humor, heart, and some mind-blowing action scenes that’ll make you forget to munch on your popcorn! 🍿

Let’s dive into the plot a bit. The film kicks off with a brave firefighter, Ja-hong, who dies heroically. But death is just the beginning here. Ja-hong is escorted by three guardians through the afterlife where he must pass seven trials over 49 days. Each trial tests a different aspect of his life – betrayal, violence, indolence… You get the picture. The aim? Prove he led a noble life and secure his spot in the afterlife. But it’s not just about him; the guardians have their own backstories that intertwine with Ja-hong’s journey, adding layers to the narrative.

The visuals are stunning. We’re talking top-notch CGI that makes you feel like you’re part of this fantastical world. The special effects team really outdid themselves, creating a feast for the eyes. 🌈

What really got me were the characters. Each guardian had their own unique personality, and their banter was the cherry on top of this cinematic sundae. The emotional depth they bring to the table is something you wouldn’t expect in a fantasy film. I mean, one moment I’m laughing, and the next, I’m reaching for tissues. 😂😭

The plot twists are another level. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, bam! The film takes a turn you didn’t see coming. It’s like playing a game of cosmic chess with the universe. 🌌

Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some parts felt a bit dragged out, and I found myself checking my watch a couple of times. But hey, no film is perfect, right?

In a nutshell, “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds” is a fantastic blend of fantasy, action, and emotion. It’s a film that’s not just about the afterlife, but about the bonds we form in life. So grab some snacks, find a comfy spot, and give this movie a watch. You won’t regret it! 🍕🛋️. I think I must may have found a new film to add to my favorites list.

See you on the flip side! 👋
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE

Hey there, fellow movie buffs! 🎬 Just watched “Soft Lad” directed by Leon Lopez (2015), and I’ve got some thoughts to share. Let’s dive right into it!

This film is a gay-themed drama with a somewhat predictable storyline about a complicated love triangle involving a young dancer, David, his sister’s husband, Jules, and another man, Sam. The film explores themes of love, lust, betrayal, and the challenges of coming to terms with one’s sexuality. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there’s a lot of heartache and tough lessons learned.

The plot, while somewhat predictable, does a decent job of portraying the struggles and conflicts faced by the protagonist. But hey, not every story needs to twist and turn to be engaging, right? However, at times, it felt like the story was treading familiar territory.

One thing that bugged me a bit was the music score and vocals. They were intense, but sometimes they totally drowned out the dialogue. I mean, I’m all for dramatic music, but I also want to hear what the characters are saying, right? 😕

And ugh, the ending was just crushing… it was a real downer. We’re talking full-on tragedy and despair to the max. It’s like you can see the train wreck coming, but you’re powerless to stop it. 😢

On the acting front, kudos to the cast – they really brought their A-game. The performances were genuine and heartfelt. But, and it’s a big but, the film was sooooo depressing. It wasn’t just a little sad; it was like diving headfirst into a pool of gloom. 😨

As the movie progressed, I felt it started to drag a bit toward the end. Like, I get it, we’re in the thick of despair, but let’s move it along, please. Despite the solid acting, the overwhelming sense of dismalness just made it a tough watch. There were parts where I was literally squirming in my seat, it was that intense. 😣

You know, it seems like a lot of gay-themed movies tend to be big downers like this. I swear they’re often so depressing! 😑 Sure they tackle important topics, but throw us a bone with some happiness once in awhile, amirite?

So, there you have it. “Soft Lad” is a well-acted exploration of love, pain, and the complexities of relationships. But be warned – it’s a heavy watch, filled with a heavy dose of sadness and despair. 💔 If you’re looking for a pick-me-up flick, this ain’t it! You’ll want to make sure to have something light and cheerful lined up for afterward! 🌈

Catch you next time,
Roger🍿🎥